Temporomandibular joint disease (also known as TMD or TMJ) is a chronic degenerative disease that may take years to develop. People who suffer from TMD have a structural imbalance in their jaw-to-skull relationship, caused by a bad bite. This disease causes a chain reaction of events beginning with the alteration of the position of the temporomandibular joint by placing excessive pressure on the joint and tissue around them. It can also cause twisting of the jaw into a strained position, which further affects the muscles in the face, back, neck, and shoulders. The result of the strain and tension leads to many of the TMJ Symptoms listed below:

Headaches or migraines	Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw	Limited Opening	Congestion and Stuffiness in the ear
Vertigo (Dizziness)	Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)	Dysphasia (Difficulty Swallowing)	Unexplained loose tooth
Clenching and grinding	Facial pain (nonspecific)	Tender, Sensitive Teeth to touch	Difficulty chewing
Neck, shoulder or back pain	Postural Problems	Thermal Sensitivity (hot & Cold)	Numbness in your fingers and arms
Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth	Cracking, chipping, or breaking of dental restorations	Trigeminal Neuralgia	Bell's Palsy
Nervousness/Insomnia

If you or anyone you know has any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from TMJ. Please contact Dr. Bushdid for a neuromuscular consultation.